128i convertible top treatment/maint

[thewifes1]

All,

New here to the forums. Just bought the wife a very nice 128i convertible. Washed and detailed it this past weekend and noticed the top didn't really bead up water it soaked it up like a towel. Nothing leaked inside. I read in the manual where it says the top doesn't really need any protectant added to it but was looking on amazon and found this and it has good reviews.

http://www.amazon.com/303-30520-Conv...onvertible+top

Anyone have any experience with maint./care of the top?

Thanks!

[JimD]

This is what I use, it is supposed to be recommended by the top supplier to BMW:

http://www.bavauto.com/shop.asp

My experience is that the amount of cleaner is enough for several uses but I need a full can of the stuff that makes water bead up for each application. I try to do it once a year. I am overdue at the moment.

[MotoWPK]

I purchased the Raggtopp cleaner and protectant kit shortly after buying my 128i vert new a couple of years ago. So far, I've yet to use it.

My vert spends about 95% of the time in my garage with the top up (I know, I should probably get out more). With so little exposure I've wondered if the effects of using a cleaner and possible build up of a protectant are worth it.

Also, I don't think a lack of water beading on the outer layer is an indication of wear. The water tight layer is the middle elastomeric layer, which you can't see, with the purpose of the outer layer being to provide protection against sun and physical protection.

[Pissoff]

To me taking care of the top Is more about the dont's. I don't take it through a automatic car wash. They will get wax on your top even if you don't chose the wax because some wax is still on parts that touch your car. Don't scrub with a brush or some thing abrasive like that. You will rip the stitching up. Don't put the top down with it dirty. Small movements while driving will then make the dirt act like sandpaper Rubbing away at your top. Don't leave bird poop on it as it will eat away at your top. It will ruin your top faster than your cars paint. I'm not saying leaving it your paint either lol. Don't use any protectant other than what is designed for convertible tops. Don't dry your top by rubbing, pat dry it. Mine is now 7 years old, and looks almost as good as new. I say almost because it doesn't seem as tight as it was new.

[MotoWPK]

Originally Posted by Coleroad

To me taking care of the top Is more about the dont's...Mine is now 7 years old, and looks almost as good as new. I say almost because it doesn't seem as tight as it was new.

That's been my feeling and what you don't do describes to a tee what I don't do. I've seen plenty of BMW convertibles several years old and older that look fine, so expect they last for a long time if not abused (and especially if the vehicle is garaged and top normally kept up).

[NVHoo]

Originally Posted by Coleroad

To me taking care of the top Is more about the dont's. I don't take it ....... almost as good as new. I say almost because it doesn't seem as tight as it was new.

I rarely wash my top but when I do, I use a new clean cloth and a good car wash soap. Make sure you rinse well. Soap works by bonding to dirt, so if it is not rinsed well, it will help dirt stick to the top. I usually wash my top about twice a year. The more you wash it, the more protectant you rub off. The rest of the time I just rinse dirt off with a hose (avoid hard water spray directly on the rear window) and let it air or pat dry.

All spray-on protectants are essentially just Scotchguard which is what I use. I apply it the one or two times a year I actually wash my top and apply it as soon as the top dries.

You can pay a lot more for "special" top soap and protectant but you are just wasting money. I've owned only convertibles for the past 35 years with no issues.

[TheCaptain]

The raggtopp convertible care kit is great.

[Converted1]

Vouch for raggtopp cleaner and protectant. Make sure you get the one for fabric not vinyl. Give it a gentle scrubbing with a horsehair brush and the cleaner, dry for 24hrs, apply protectant generously. I covered painted surfaces of my car with a cheap plastic tarp.

[muddtt]

Originally Posted by thewifes1

All,


http://www.amazon.com/303-30520-Conv...onvertible+top

Anyone have any experience with maint./care of the top?

Thanks!

I use that stuff. Works great. Seems like people either recommend raggtopp or 303. Don't let it dry on paint or glass tho, wipe it up right away while your applying it.

[u2b]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4Q996A-Pig[/u2b]

[thewifes1]

Thanks for all the replies everyone. Looks like I will be looking into getting a top protectant to apply to keep it in good shape! So far we love this car and especially riding with the top down.

[motley2012]

One application of Gtechnic I1 sees my roof bead for 12-14 months

[MotoWPK]

For those of you who apply a protectant, have you noticed any indication of a build up after awhile, perhaps surface cracking of a layer of protectant that's built up?

[angler]

Ragtop, I do it in the spring and right before winter. Will keep your top new for a long time. After the winter my top does not bead off water. After using the product the water beads right off of it. You should do it at least once a year!!! Ragtop is easier to use then 303 IMO. I take the product after cleaning the top and I bought a horsehair paintbrush and paint the product on. Eliminates overspray. I put two light coats on doesn't take more then 45 minutes to do including the dry time in-between each coat. I would never not guard my top.

[ejm3]

I also bought Raggtop maybe a year or more ago but have yet to use it.
My car is garaged and almost never taken out in the rain.

[Pissoff]

Originally Posted by ejm3

I also bought Raggtop maybe a year or more ago but have yet to use it.
My car is garaged and almost never taken out in the rain.

I know the feeling. I don't use protectants either. My car never sees rain. If it is out of the garage 95% of the time the top is down, so it doesn't see much sun. For me it's just about keeping it clean in the most gentle way I can. My top is just lucky enough not to be exposed to the elements. It doesn't have to go to work and sit in the sun or rain for eight hours while I work. If this wasn't the case then yes I would be using a protectant.